In its two-century history, the Bible and Common Prayer Book Society has sent hundreds of free prayer books and hymnals across the world in multiple languages.
“Our society for more than 200 years has been enabling and providing for the worshiping needs of congregations everywhere,” said the Rev. David G. Henritzy, director. “The books we donate provide an invaluable resource for worship, prayer, and meditation in the parishes and ministries we serve.”
Henritzy coordinates the society’s work, with support from a volunteer board, currently led by president Stephen Storen.
“Our ministry is evangelism in the form of printed materials,” Storen said.
Exhibiting at General Convention 2018 helped the society connect directly with supporters and beneficiaries of its ministry.
“Our goal is to link with the Episcopal Church, to meet obvious needs, and to offer a helping hand to those who may need it,” said attorney Thomas K. Chu, who represented the society in Austin.
“It is our ministry to assist all areas and all corners of the Church, from smaller dioceses to large metropolitan areas,” said Bishop Rodney Michel, board member and immediate past president of the society.
The society maintains a strong relationship with the Diocese of Cuba.
If the society does not have requested books at hand, it works to find them, Henrizty said.
Who is eligible for books? Worshiping communities, new starts, parishes replacing worn-out books, financially struggling or expanding parishes, and parishes that have suffered from natural disasters.
The society accepts requests through an online form, and requires these related items: a letter signed by an authorized representative of the requesting organization; titles and quantities of the request; and written approval of the request by the diocesan bishop.
Matthew Townsend is a Halifax-based freelance journalist and volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual misconduct in Anglican settings. He served as editor of the Anglican Journal from 2019 to 2021 and communications missioner for the Anglican Diocese of Quebec from 2019 to 2022. He and his wife recently entered catechism class in the Orthodox Church in America.
